Are James Franco and Seth Rogen Still Friends?
- Seth Rogen and James Franco started as best friends in Hollywood.
- However, allegations against Franco changed their friendship.
- Franco later admitted that their bond is broken and that it’s a tough loss.
Once upon a time in the world of Hollywood, there were two besties: Seth Rogen and James Franco. The two were like comedy gold. They first met on the TV show Freaks and Geeks back in 1999. Rogen was just 17, and Franco was 22. They clicked right away, and everyone could see their chemistry.
After Freaks and Geeks, they didn’t work together for a while, but everything changed in 2008 when they teamed up for Pineapple Express. From then on, they were everywhere together, making people laugh with hit movies like This Is the End and The Disaster Artist.
But in 2018, everything took a serious turn. Allegations came out against Franco that shocked fans and the industry. Five women accused him of behaving inappropriately, including some who were his acting students. Suddenly, the fun and laughter they shared were overshadowed by serious claims.
By 2024, it was clear that their friendship had ended. Rogen said he wouldn’t work with Franco again, and Franco admitted they hadn’t repaired their friendship. What happened to all those good times? Let’s dig deeper into how this once-great friendship fell apart.
How Did Seth Rogen and James Franco’s Friendship Start?
Seth Rogen and James Franco first met on the set of Freaks and Geeks back in 1999. Rogen was a teen, and Franco was just starting to make a name for himself. They didn’t hang out much after that until they reconnected for the film Pineapple Express in 2008.
Rogen joked about how he spent that time sitting on his couch while Franco was becoming a big star. From that point on, they became inseparable. Rogen and Franco teamed up for movie after movie, including This Is the End, The Interview, and Sausage Party.
They were always there for each other, bringing out the best in their comedic talents. In interviews, they’d talk about how they were willing to do anything for a laugh. Franco even said in a Q&A with Moviefone that Rogen taught him that “if it’s funny, you can kind of do anything.”
But then came the big twist in their story. The allegations against Franco put a serious dent in their friendship. Rogen, who had previously defended him, started to rethink everything. As the years went on, it became clear their bond had been deeply affected.
What Happened Between James Franco and Seth Rogen?
In January 2018, the Golden Globe Awards were buzzing. Rogen and Franco were nominated for their work on The Disaster Artist, but it turned into a nightmare shortly after.
Days later, the Los Angeles Times published an article with shocking allegations against Franco. Five women, including four of his former students, claimed he acted inappropriately and abused his power.
These women spoke out about feeling pressured and manipulated. One of them, Sarah Tither-Kaplan, described a toxic environment where saying “no” felt impossible. Franco’s lawyer denied the claims, but the damage was done. The public perception of Franco shifted overnight.
In October 2019, the situation escalated when two of the women filed a lawsuit. According to PEOPLE, after some legal back and forth, Franco settled for over $2.2 million in 2021. Rogen watched all this unfold and later said he regretted his previous comments about working with Franco. Regarding the situation, Rogen told The Sunday Times in 2021:
What I can say is that I despise abuse and harassment and I would never cover or conceal the actions of someone doing it, or knowingly put someone in a situation where they were around someone like that.
He made it clear that their friendship was also affected. Now, Rogen looks back and realizes their dynamic has changed forever. Three years later, Franco admitted to Variety in 2024, “I haven’t talked to Seth. I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over.” It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans of their comedy.
